Subnational leaders run their own show with Pan-American climate agreement

Intro

Leaders from North and South America brought their regions one step closer to an “equitable, low carbon economy” as they signed a “landmark” Pan-American climate agreement today. Representatives from Brazil, Mexico, the U.S. and Canada — including former US Vice President Al Gore and former Mexico President Felipe Calderon and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard — were in Toronto this week for the inaugural Climate Summit of the Americas, where 21 states and regions agreed to “support carbon pricing, ensure public reporting, take action in key sectors, and meet existing greenhouse gas reduction agreements.” Summit host and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne proclaimed that this joint action statement “takes us a step closer to achieving a progressive agreement at COP21 in Paris.” Meanwhile, the absence of federal representatives didn’t go unnoticed, with California Governor Jerry Brown calling out Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday for failing to move Canada forward alongside the rest of the world on climate goals, noting that “he ought to be re-examining what he’s doing.” The summit in Toronto took place as massive wildfires continued to spread through British Columbia and Alaska, which only underscored the urgency of taking action to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.

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Key Points

Subnational governments are ready, willing and able to step up for the climate in spite of federal laggards.This latest climate summit signals yet another effort from lower-level leaders to regulate harmful emissions. With last week’s World Summit on Climate and Territories, and Pope Francis’ upcoming climate summit among municipalities, subnational leaders are also championing ongoing efforts to move away from a carbon fuelled society.

Canadians want jobs, justice and a healthier climate for all. According to a Canada 2020 poll, “84 per cent of Canadians believe that prosperous countries such as Canada have an obligation to show international leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” Diverse groups realize that their health, jobs and future are at risk if leaders fail to deliver commitments to slash carbon emissions, which is why they are pressuring them to make those drastic changes once and for all.

Acting for the climate is good for the economy. Experts agree that slashing emissions wouldn’t compromise economic growth. Renewable energy continues to get cheaper, with solar and wind power now cost competitive with fossil fuels in many places; while the global market for low-carbon goods and services is already worth more than US$5.5 trillion and is growing at over 3 per cent per year. The global shift towards clean energy is stronger than ever, and it’s now up to policymakers to take the leap and join the ongoing movement.

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Quotes

“Across the Americas, subnational regions like Ontario are leading the way on climate change policy. The Pan-American action statement that we signed today unites us and takes us a step closer to achieving a progressive agreement at COP21 in Paris. Together, we are finding innovative ways to combat climate change while driving growth in a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable low-carbon economy.” — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“Ontario is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with its Pan-American partners in leading and mobilizing global action on climate change. Our Climate Action Statement and the productive dialogue among political, government and business leaders at the summit demonstrate the tremendous progress in fighting climate change and the collective will to ensure our children and their children inherit a healthier planet.” — Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

“More and more federated states are demonstrating their commitment to carbon pricing, in particular by using existing mechanisms. On the road to the Climate Change Conference in Paris next December, the summit in Toronto is allowing us to take advantage of conditions that are highly favourable to the success of such projects. We must continue our work to reach an ambitious agreement which will help limit the increase in global average temperature to under 2°C.” — Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec

“Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with other subnational jurisdictions on climate change and thanks the Government of Ontario for convening this important event. By signing the Climate Action Statement, Newfoundland and Labrador is reiterating its commitment to show leadership in the fight against climate change.” — Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Action by states is absolutely crucial and we have to mobilize together. That’s the only way we’re going to be able to change the direction of where the world is going. The stakes couldn’t be higher and the hour is late. We know what we have to do and these jurisdictions before you are committed to getting it done.” — Edmund “Jerry” Brown Jr., Governor of California

“I am proud to join my fellow Governors, mayors, and community leaders in signing this statement of action on climate change. Good climate policy is good economic policy, and Vermont is leading the way to a cleaner, greener economy as we transform the way we generate energy. We will continue to work with other regional and world leaders to deliver a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.” — Peter Shumlin, Governor of Vermont

“Participating in this group is very important to us as well as an important achievement since it gives our state the opportunity to restate our commitment towards fighting climate change on the long term.” — Aristoteles Sandoval Diaz, Governor of the state of Jalisco

“Around the world, people are calling on their leaders to take climate action and the elected officials represented here are demonstrating the bold leadership we need. The Climate Action Statement will not only reduce emissions in the regions represented, but will inspire stronger federal action and bolster a historic agreement in Paris. I’m more convinced than ever that we will solve the climate crisis. Today’s agreement, and the continued leadership of subnational leaders everywhere, is a crucial part of the solution.” — Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project

“We now have clear evidence of states, provinces, cities, and businesses leading the way on climate action and achieving strong economic growth at the same time. This Summit has been an incredible demonstration of this bottom-up momentum and should inspire more ambition by all on the road to Paris.” — Felipe Calderón, Former President of Mexico and Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate

“We can’t have a Canadian carbon pollution strategy that contributes our fair share of global reductions by focusing only within provincial borders. What happens in Alberta does not stay in Alberta. Reducing emissions in one place only to increase them elsewhere is pointless to the climate.” — Tim Gray, Executive Director at Environmental Defence